Five lottery options plus special categories are provided
to allow runners multiple opportunities for entry

With unprecedented demand for entries, the Big Sur International Marathon will feature a new lottery-driven registration plan for its April 24, 2016 event.

The annual race, set along California’s scenic Highway 1, is limited to 4,500 total marathon entrants including all special divisions and categories. The new registration plan provides a variety of entry options. The largest number of entrants will be selected through several lottery options: runners may enter applicable lotteries as a first timer or “bucket list” runner; as a loyalty runner (have finished at least one Big Sur Marathon); as a local (Monterey County) runner; or as a group runner, (2-6 in the group). Registration for these lotteries runs from July 15th through July 28th.

After the selected participants are announced in early August, there will be a Last Chance Lottery held for those not chosen or for anyone else interested in trying for a coveted slot. Some runners may be eligible to enter up to four applicable lotteries at a non-refundable fee of $2.50 each.

A total of 3,200 runners will be selected through these lottery options. Additional entries to reach the 4,500 marathon limit are provided to pre-designated charity entries including the BSIM’s own JUST RUN youth fitness program, the Runner’s World Challenge training and VIP program, and through a complete travel package organized by Marathon Tours. These registrations will be on a first-come, first-served basis starting on July 15th, 2015.

The popular Boston 2 Big Sur division will also utilize a lottery for the first time. Registration for the B2B lottery will open in October following the close of Boston Marathon registration.

“With multiple opportunities to enter the race, we feel that this program will offer a better registration experience without the stress of being at a computer at a specific day and time,” said Doug Thurston, race director. “We are honored by the tremendous interest in our race. This program will give us, for the first time, a true sense of how many people want to run in our event.”

Named as one of the world’s top destination and scenic races by a variety of publications, the Big Sur Marathon also offers shorter distances along the “ragged edge of the Western World.” These distances include a four-person Marathon Relay, 21-Miler, 10.6-Miler, 9-Miler and 5K. Registration for each of these events will begin September 1, 2015, on a first-come, first-served basis. All race distances are expected to sell out as they did last year.

The marathon itself has a strict 6-hour time limit, a pace of 13 minutes and 45 seconds a mile on a challenging, hilly course.

“We want to provide a world-class and safe experience for all qualified marathoners,” Thurston said. “We strongly urge slower runners or walkers to consider one of our other race distances that have more generous time limits.”